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Sunday, 10 June 2007

Tomb Raider 1 vs Tomb Raider Anniversary

As promised, here I am to talk about the differences between Tomb Raider 1, particularly the Saturn version, and the newest Tomb Raider Anniversary (PS2 version in this case). Before you ask, let me say that I haven’t played Tomb Raider 1 to the very end, but I went pretty far with just 4 levels remaining to beat the game (more on that in the end of this post) and from what I played and seen of TR: Anniversary I feel pretty confident to talk about the differences and similarities between the original and the remake.

The greatest difference is, obviously, the presentation, but there’s more to it than you might think at first. That’s because those guys over at Crystal Dinamics didn’t just upgrade the models and textures, they’ve rebuilt and redesigned all of the levels accordingly to what the PS2 hardware is capable of. But fear not, old fans, for the most unique aspects of each level remain here, and for that TRA is indeed a remake and not just a game “inspired by” the original.

The other differences are the sounds (I kinda miss the original ones) and the general gameplay, which is basically the same present in TR Legend, with the new addiction of Lara being able to jump into the top of vertical poles.

But more demonstrative than mere words is the following video, so if you want to see for yourself check out the footage below.

My conclusion is, this is one hell of a remake! Capable of appealing to both fans of the original game and gamers that are new to the series, I think everyone, with no exception, should try this awesome game.

Now, as a bonus for reading this post, here is the update of my progress in Tomb Raider for the Saturn. As I said in the beginning of this post, I’m currently in the level “Sanctuary of the Scion”, level 12 out of 15, so, with just 4 levels remaining (counting the one I’m at), one would think that if I got this far it’s just a matter of time before I beat the game. Well, I’m not proud to say that I decided to quit. Yes, dear readers, in a shameful twist of events, this humble gamer didn’t beat the game, he was beaten by it. The truth is, the game was so fucking hard by then that I just wasn’t having fun anymore, so I think it’s best if I just dedicate my time to other games.

Nonetheless, I played enough to write a review, or at least post some commentaries about my experience while playing it, so my posts about Tomb Raider don’t end here…

7 comments:

1.) It's making the Saturn relevent to modern gaming... Comparisons of Saturn games to current release titles is important... We can't keep raking over the past!

2.) Nebacha has shown something that I thoroughly believe... Once a game has become a chore, then it's fine to leave it! I got into a mindset that you hadn't done a game justice unless you finished it. I'm thrilled if I finish a game, but you could count the number of games I've completed on one hand. Once it stops being fun, sack it off!!! There are plenty more fish in the sea!

3.) Nebacha has a catchphrase! Fucking hell! It rocks! "Goodnight and good games ;)"

Father K, thank you for such kind words. Really, the fact that my posts mean something to someone is the real point of my blogging activities and i'm so glad that i'm doing a good job.

elderly, well, you know how this works, the original feels always better for those who played 10 years ago, but if you analize the remake in a purely objective view, you'll see that Crystal Dynamics made an excellent work.

J, yes, i've played St. Francis Folly (right now i'm in the colosseum) and let me tell you, i still hate that level. The whole concept of climbing up and down, while dying more than a couple of times, really pisses me off.

indeed neb...(runs of of keypad) I do like anniversary.. and objectively the game rocks.. no doubt this will stay in my collection, and i continue to find some extraordinary bits.. the dust clouds from her feet, the wet clothes drying... i supposed what im trying to say is that this lara is a little more high maintenance than her original...

...then again.. i do find myself switching to the shopping channel every so often... age.. sorta creeps up on a body...

The remake looks awesome! I'm SO buying this when it releases on Wii. It's quite amazing how much better the Anniversary. I know the original game was released YONKS ago and that the PS2 is hardly a slouch in the graphics department, but the improvement graphically is impressive none the less.

We all love a bargain... I remember when I first started collecting for the Saturn as a "Retro Gamer" (as opposed to a curre...

Celebrating 11 years of existence...and 7 years of excellence

Welcome to The Saturn Junkyard, a shrine to Sega's sadly departed console, for all lovers of retro gaming. A place where you can come and relive the glory days of the nineties and find out about the Saturn as a console: We'll take a sideways look at it's games, it's peripherals, it's history, it's marketing, plus shine the occasional spotlight on console modding and the homebrew scene. We make no claims to being authoritative, and everything we discuss will come with a heavy dose of personal opinion and subjectivity. But hopefully we'll raise a smile or two along the way!